Eskimo 949i & Buddy heater?

I have a portable buddy heater for my one man flip-over (usually only run it for a few minutes at a time), and plan to get a 5LB tank to use in the 949i. But, with the larger area to keep warm, I’m concerned that I might need to get the big buddy heater. Does anyone have experience running the portable buddy in the 949i? Does it keep the 949i warm enough to fish in just a hoodie under reasonable circumstances (say over -10F)?

Thanks,
Mark

I ran the Big Buddy in a Otter Lodge hub that size. I never once needed the highest setting (18,000 BTU). I found the lowest 4,000 BTU setting, run constantly, was the most comfortable. It would keep it at 55-60 degrees in the hub, and I was able to dress-down to a sweatshirt and bibs. On occasion, I would run the middle 9,000 BTU setting on sub-zero days, or if I had just come in from hole-hopping.
The standard Portable Buddy Heater (MH9-BX) would work just fine for that application. There is little need for the 18,000 BTU setting that the Big Buddy offers, unless you’re looking to fish in a t-shift and jeans.

On most days it’s fine with the portable buddy. When the sun goes down and it’s below zero you will want more. Either 2 portable buddies or the big buddy.

Agree. Big Buddy. You can always turn it down. Cold sucks.

I have owed the 949i for the last three years and the Big Buddy is the only heater that I have used. More than enough to keep fishing comfortable…

TD H10 wrote:

I have owed the 949i for the last three years and the Big Buddy is the only heater that I have used. More than enough to keep fishing comfortable…

X2. Wouldn’t want to go any smaller.

I have both buddy and big buddy heaters, the reason I have both is,I couldnt keep my house warm on colder windy days, back then I was using a clam yukon flip over.I agree, I do’nt use high on the big buddy often, but it sure nice to have those extra btu’s when you need them!!

I would suggest the Big Buddy. I have the 949i and it does a great job of heating up the house. On those cold nights it even challenges the Big Buddy.

Puddle makers…I mean buddy heaters..
Agree with big buddy size or

I’d go with a tank mounted sunflower. Keep that heat source off the ice.

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

Puddle makers…I mean buddy heaters..
Agree with big buddy size or

I’d go with a tank mounted sunflower. Keep that heat source off the ice.

X2

Also, the classic sunflower is way more durable if riding in a sled behind a wheeler or snowmobile.

I have the 949i and is how I roll.

I have a 949i and a regular 9000btu Buddy that seems mostly sufficient. I don’t think I’ve used it when it’s -10 though. I usually have been comfortable in bibs and a hoodie without a jacket but I have to leave it on high the whole time so there is no headroom for colder or windier weather.